Michael McIntosh has built arguably the most substantial body of work ever compiled on classic shotguns. "Shotgun Technicana" continues this building process for his avocation, and, in the process, McIntosh demonstrates the dedication and focus of his vocation as a literary scholar--delving into the minutia across the full breadth of his topic and using that thorough foundation to present broader conclusions about the topic at hand. With each book he publishes, he explores a new aspect of shotgunning--and we, his readers, are the richer for being able to accompany him.
That McIntosh loves English double guns is indisputable; that he can share that affection by writing so thoroughly, eloquently, and engagingly about his topic places him in a unique category of gun writers. In this book, McIntosh teamed with David Trevallion, the noted Purdey gunsmith, to ensure that his facts and their presentation were thoroughly vetted.
"Shotgun Technicana" belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who appreciates fine side-by-side shotguns. While his primary focus is on pre-war English double guns, the insight and observation offered certainly apply to the many imitators of Purdey, Boss, and Holland & Holland models produced here by the likes of Parker, L. C. Smith, A. H. Fox, and Ithaca during the same time period.
"Shotgun Technicana" explores every facet of fine gunbuilding, from buttplate to muzzle, with comprehensive comparison and contrast--supported by detailed diagrams and photographs--of sidelock and boxlock firing mechanisms; Anson and Deeley forearm attachment hardware (you'll learn the differences between the two!); English versus French or Turkish walnut; barrel construction, regulation, and boring; extraction and ejection systems; and mechanical versus inertia firing systems. In short, McIntosh provides an exhaustive overview of the parts--and in doing so demonstrates a comprehensive appreciation for the whole--of classic English shotguns.
